I use Japan Woodworker saya chisels in 3/8 and 3/4". I outline a profile, then make a cut on a profile, then carve to that cut. 3/8 chisel is good at carve to the profile, while the 3/4 is good at removing bulk of material.

M

Burl Source

06-04-2013, 04:24 PM

Nice work Marko.
Thank you for posting the photos.

apicius9

06-04-2013, 04:28 PM

Thanks Marko. I was always wondering: with a thicker knife, would you carve both pieces or still only one?

Stefan

Marko Tsourkan

06-04-2013, 04:37 PM

Never both, as when you clamp, there will be a slight movement on the halves, causing them misallign. For a thicker knife, you start with a thicker board and leave more material on a side where cavity is carved. However, for knives like Shigefusa, I carve the cavity on both sides to accommodate rapidly thickening spine at the handle, but just up to 2.5" on the side opposite to where cavity is carved.